20+ Differences between A Muppet and A Puppet (Explained)

Muppets and Puppets both can be best described as forms of dolls. Both terms are known for creating confusion in people’s minds. There are lots of similarities that surround Muppets and Puppets. However, both have significant differences among them.

The primary difference between a Muppet and a Puppet is that the former is a form of Puppet, whereas the latter is a miniature form of humans, animals, birds, etc.

Comparison Between A Muppet And A Puppet

Parameter	Muppet	Puppet
Origin	It emerged after the emergence of Puppets. It is believed to have originated in 1955. Jim Henson is seen as the inventor or creator of these miniatures.	It emerged way before the emergence of the Muppets. The traces of the origin of these miniatures take us back to the fifth century B.C. Not one person is seen as the inventor of these miniatures.
Meaning	It can be best described as a form of Puppet. The reason they got their unique name is the creation of the iconic Muppet shows by Jim Henson. If it were not for this reason, they would be considered the same as Puppets. Like Puppets, these miniatures resemble various humans, animals, birds, etc.	It can be best described as a form of dolls in layperson’s language. These miniatures are known for resembling various humans, animals, and birds. These miniatures were used to carry out various Puppetry shows back in the past for entertainment purposes.
Types	It can be broadly categorized into three main classes: Live hand, Full-bodied, and Hand rod.	There are various types of these miniatures. There are no broad classifications of these miniatures. However, the most popular types of these miniatures are Marionettes, Rod Puppets, Shadow Puppets, Bunraku Puppets, Hand Puppets, Flat Figure Puppets, Pull String Puppets, etc.
Appearance	One of the unique features of these miniatures is that they have a presence of a specific smile and eyes in almost every Muppet. In addition, these miniatures typically have big or more expansive eyes along with big eyes. These facial features can be considered trademark features of these miniatures. .	Unlike Muppets, these miniatures do not have any distinct facial features. As a result, these miniatures typically vary from one to another. At the same time, these miniatures can look the same, but there is no trademark feature of them regarding facial appearance.
Controlled by	Talking in general, these miniatures are typically controlled directly by hands. However, in most cases, these miniatures are worn like gloves, and facial expressions are given with the help of fingers and thumb.	There are many types of miniatures, and their controlling would vary from style to style. But, in general, these miniatures are controlled indirectly by hands. Typically, there is a presence of strings that are attached to these miniatures and then managed by hand.
Entertainment	These miniatures were explicitly created for entertainment purposes for television. These miniatures were recorded and then broadcast on television to the people. Unlike puppets, there was no real-time audience in these miniature shows like Puppetry.	Just like Muppets, these miniatures were also created for entertainment purposes, but the significant difference is that these were used to entertain people in real-time. These were not broadcasted on television, as these have been in practice since ancient history. Although some of the Puppetry made it to television, initially, there used to be real-time Puppetry shows with real-time audiences specifically for entertainment purposes.
Copyright	Since these miniatures were created or invented by only one man, i.e., Jim Henson, it was his idea to complete this unique form of Puppets and then broadcast them on television. Due to this reason, these miniatures happen to be copyrighted under the Muppets Studios LLC.	These miniatures and related shows have existed for a very long time. There was not any one man behind their idea. Hence, these miniatures do not happen to be copyrighted under any organization.
Popular characters	Some of the most popular Muppets characters are Elmo, Dr teeth, Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Grover, Miss Piggy, Statler, Waldorf, etc.	Some of the most popular Puppets characters are Charlie McCarthy, Topo Gigio, Howdy Doody, Lamb Chop, Bert and Ernie, Farfel and Danny O’Day, etc.

Major Differences Between A Muppet And A Puppet

What exactly is a Muppet?

A Muppet can be referred to as a doll in layperson’s language. However, going for a literal meaning, it can be best described as a form of Puppet.

These miniatures became famous after Jim Henson created the show “The Muppets show” for television entertainment. 1955 is believed to be the year when these miniatures were made.

Unlike Puppets, these miniatures are not regulated with the help of strings. Instead, these are hollow from the inside and worn as gloves to generate animations. These miniatures or the concerned show are copyrighted under the Muppets Studio LLC.

Key Takeaways: Muppets

It is a kind of Puppet that is believed to have originated in 1955. These miniatures are not attached to any strings, can be worn as gloves, and are directly controlled with hands.

Jim Henson is behind the invention of these miniatures or the Muppets Show for television entertainment.

These miniatures or the concerned show belong to Muppets Studio LLC and are copyrighted under the same. However, in 2004, Disney bought the same for 75 million dollars.

Kermit, the frog, Rowlf the dog, Miss Piggy, and Swedish chef Gonzo are some of the most popular Muppet characters.

These miniatures can be broadly categorized into Live hand, Full-bodied, and Hand rod.

Key Differences: Muppet

It can be best described as a form of Puppet created for television entertainment. Jim Henson is considered the man behind the creation of these Puppets, now called Muppets.

The traces of the origin of these miniatures lead us back to 1955.

One of the significant characteristics of these miniatures that act as a major distinction from Puppets is that these miniatures are operated with hands, as these miniatures are hollow from the inside and worn as gloves to create animation effects.

One of the unique features of these miniatures is that they are entirely copyrighted items that belong to a specific organization.

What exactly is a Puppet?

A Puppet is a miniature that resembles humans, animals, birds, etc. The roots origin of these creatures takes us back to the fifth century B.C. Unlike a Muppet, these creatures are not regulated directly by hand.

Instead, these miniatures are held with the help of strings attached. In turn, these strings are regulated by hands. The person who handles these strings is known as a puppeteer.

The main motive of these miniatures was also entertainment. However, there used to be live puppetry shows, which kept happening this way.

Key Takeaways: Puppet

It can be best described as a miniature that resembles humans, animals, birds, etc. These miniatures are attached to strings, can not be worn as gloves, and are controlled with hands indirectly.

The traces of the origin of these miniatures take us back to the fifth century B.C.

These miniatures do not belong to any specific organization and, thus, are not copyrighted. Various puppeteers used to carry out several puppets shows back before for entertainment purposes.

Bert, Ernie, Charlie McCarthy, Topo Gigio, Kukla, Ollie, and Fran are some of the most popular Puppets.

These miniatures can be categorized into the water, Object, Blacklight, Bunraku, Rajasthani, Pull the string, Push, Shadow, Toy theater, etc.

Key Differences: Puppet

It can be best described as a doll or a miniature form of humans, animals or birds, etc., that were also created for entertainment purposes, but that happened in real life, not on television. These miniatures were displayed in the form of puppetry shows.

The traces of the origin of these miniatures take us back to the fifth century B.C.

Unlike Muppets, these miniatures are not hollow from the inside and are neither regulated by hands directly. Instead, these miniatures are connected to strings through which arrows control these.

Unlike Muppets, these miniatures are not copyrighted either, as these miniatures have a wide variety and do not belong to a specific organization.

The contrast between A Muppet And A Puppet

Origin

Muppets – Muppets came into existence after the emergence of Puppets. These miniatures are estimated to have originated in 1955 after Jim Henson created the iconic Muppet shows.

Puppet – Puppets emerged way before the emergence of Muppets. Although, there is yet to be a proper answer to when these miniatures originated. However, the roots of their traces can be found as early as the fifth century B.C.

Etymology

Muppet – The term Muppet did not exist until the creation of the Muppets shows. Jim Henson is the man behind the invention of the term “Muppet.” As per Jim Henson, this term is believed to be made from combining two words, “marionette” and “Puppet.”

Puppet – The term Puppet is estimated to have originated from the English word “poppet,” which originated from the Middle English word “poppet,” which means “doll.” “Popet” is derived from the Old French word “roulette,” which means “doll.”

“Poupette” originated from the Vulgar Latin word “Pappu” which originated from either of the two Latin words, “pupa” or “pupil,” which means “girl or doll” and “little girl doll,” respectively.

Meaning

Muppet -is a type of Puppet that resembles humans, animals, birds, etc. These are mini creatures or miniatures that are mainly used for entertainment purposes.

These are very similar to Puppets, one might consider them the same, but the fact that Jim Henson invented these, and he was the one to name them specifically Muppets, is the primary distinction between them and Puppets.

Puppet – These miniatures resemble humans, animals, birds, etc. If one were to describe them in layman’s language, one would call them a form of a doll. These miniatures have existed for a long time, and people have conducted many Puppetry shows.

Types

Muppet – These miniatures can be broadly categorized into Live hand, Full-bodied, and Hand rod.

Puppet – These miniatures can be categorized into almost infinite categories. Most of the popular miniatures in this category are Marionettes, Rod Puppets, Shadow Puppets, Bunraku Puppets, Hand Puppets, Flat Figure Puppets, Sock Puppets, Glove Puppets, etc.

Types of Muppets

Live hand – These miniatures are monumental miniatures with their hands like a glove. People wear gloves to control their hand gestures, such as picking things from somewhere.
Full Bodied – As the name suggests, this type of miniature is of the size of humans, and people have to wear these miniatures like bodysuits or costumes and then act like Muppets.
Hand rods – are the most common Muppets, estimated to have been controlled by both hands. One hand is supposed to hold the head movements while the other has to control the hand gestures.

Types of Puppets

Marionettes: These are the most common types of these miniatures where strings are attached to the doll’s limbs which a person controls.
Rod Puppets: As the name suggests, this type of miniature is controlled by rods. A rod is inserted through the head, which goes to the hands and legs and directs their movements.
Shadow Puppets: These miniatures work by projecting their shadows onto some screen to make an illusion of their various movements.
Bunraku Puppets: It is a well-known Japanese Puppetry where the Puppeteers can be seen working with the Puppets to control their movements.
Hand Puppets: These are a type of Puppets that work like gloves in hand, and fingers and thumbs are used to control their movements.

Appearance

Muppet – The appearance of these miniatures also makes a significant distinction between Muppets and Puppets. These miniatures mostly have broad smiles and bigger eyes. These two characteristic features of these miniatures are present in every Muppet, and all the other appearances might differ.

Puppet – There are no special characteristic features of these miniatures like in the case of Muppets. These miniatures often vary from one miniature to another.

Controlled by

Muppet – There are various types of Muppets; however, most commonly, these miniatures are controlled directly by hand. On many occasions, these miniatures are hollow from the inside so that they can be worn like gloves and be directly supervised by hands. Unlike Puppets, most commonly, no strings are attached to them.

Puppet – Just like Muppets, various types of Puppets may be controlled differently. But most commonly, these miniatures are not directly controlled by hands. Instead, strings are usually attached to them, and through those strings, these are controlled indirectly by hands. People who control these miniatures are known as puppeteers.

Entertainment

Muppet – Entertainment is the significant similarity between these miniatures and Puppets. But the primary distinction in the entertainment field is that these miniatures were invented for television purposes. Only a few live theaters represented the art of these miniatures for entertainment. Instead, they were recorded first and shown to the public later.

Puppet – These miniatures had existed for a long time, especially when they were any television in the picture. Just like Muppets, these miniatures were also used for entertainment purposes. Still, the difference is that real-time theaters were happening in Puppetry miniatures.

Here, puppeteers performed various acts of Puppets in real time to entertain people who ought to be present there. However, in the current time, there are many Puppets and Puppetry shows that have made it to television.

Copyright

Muppet – Although it is a type of Puppet, the unique name and creation were done by Jim Henson. Thus, these miniatures are copyrighted under Muppets Studio LLC. It should be noted that before 2004, these belonged to the Muppets Studio itself, but after 2004, Disney bought it for 75 million dollars.

Puppet – These have been in use since ancient history, and most importantly, it was not created by a single person. Hence, these miniatures are not copyrighted.

Popular characters

Muppet – Some of the famous characters of these miniatures are Elmo, Dr teeth, Kermit the Frog, Beaker, Grover, Miss Piggy, Statler, Waldorf, etc.

Puppet – Some of the famous characters of these miniatures are Charlie McCarthy, Topo Gigio, Howdy Doody, Lamb Chop, Bert and Ernie, Farfel and Danny O’Day, etc.

Conclusion

Muppet and Puppet sound like synonyms and are frequently used interchangeably. However, both are very much similar yet different.

The significant difference between a Muppet and a Puppet is that the former is a particular type of Puppet that existed after Jim Henson invented it. In contrast, the latter is a type of doll resembling humans & animals that have been, in fact, since the fifth century B.C.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. When did Puppets and Muppets emerge?

The former came into existence way before the emergence of the latter. The former is estimated to have originated in the fifth century B.C., while the latter is estimated to have originated in 1955.

Q2. How do Muppets appear?

The unique feature of these miniatures is their specific type of smile and eye appearance. Most miniatures of this kind have a large or big smile and big eyes.

Q3. How do Puppets function?

Most of the Puppets function with the help of hands. However, these are not controlled directly by hand. Instead, these miniatures are usually connected to strings, through which these are controlled indirectly by hands.

Q4. How do Muppets function?

Most of the Muppets are directly controlled by hands, but it may vary. These miniatures are not attached to any form of strings. Instead, these are hollow from the inside and worn as gloves, where the fingers and thumb are used to create various expressions.

Q5. Why are Muppets copyrighted?

These miniatures are copyrighted because they are owned by the man who created them in the first place. Jim Henson had this unique idea and created Muppets; even the word “Muppet” was created by him. Hence, they are copyrighted.